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New Impreza Makes Debut at NYAS
By Ryan Douthit, Subiesport Magazine
On April 5, at the New York Auto Show, Subaru will finally lift the curtain on the all-new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2.5i models. Here is what you need to know about the most significant change to the Impreza since Bill Clinton took office.
Impreza Styling
Yes, it’s a hatch. Well, a 5-door hatch at least. No, that doesn’t mean the Sedan is “dead.” Subaru knows that mainstream North America isn’t as enamored by hatchbacks as the rest of the world. So it has also taken the effort to prepare a sedan variant, exclusive for the US market. This will be available as both an NA (2.5i, shown here) or turbo (WRX) model, both available from dealers by September of this year.
On the inside is a Tribeca-inspired cabin with sweeping lines and brushed-aluminum accents. If this doesn’t finally shut-up the VW fanboys about their GTI interiors, I don’t know what will. It looks great. The cabin also boasts an additional 2-inches of shoulder room up front, large cup-holders (up to 24-oz bottles) in the doors, available satellite navigation and an MP3/video jack, for plugging in either an iPod, XBox or some other fun gizmo.
Both longer and lighter than the car it replaces, the new WRX also has a lot more cargo area, thanks to a new double-wishbone suspension configuration. Subaru claims it also delivers an improved ride and a quieter cabin. We’ll let you know if this holds up when we finally get to put this new model through its paces this summer.
Adding to the utility of the sedan model, the rear seats now have a 60/40 folding mechanism to increase cargo capacity. That’s one item that always bugged us about the previous Impreza, the lack of a pass-through. And we’re happy to have that item finally checked off our list of complaints.
The only downside for this new setup is that Subaru was unable to put dual-exhaust outlets on the hatchback version, due to clearance issue with the suspension. The sedan doesn’t have this limitation, so you’ll find it has the tougher-looking dual outlets that we are so fond of over here. (Subiesport Editor, Travis Geny, would like to point out that he is, personally, not fond of dual outlets on 4-bangers.)
Feel the Power (?)
By the numbers it seems as though Subaru tossed the Legacy GT turbo mill into the chassis, turned down the boost and called it a day. Visually, that certainly seems to be what has happened. We’ll have a complete rundown on the engine specifics in an upcoming issue, but for now, let’s just hope that’s what happened. Because if it is, 300-horsepower is a reasonable mod, and Legacy owners will no longer be the “odd duck” engine configuration. Since we just added a Legacy GT to our in-house fleet, this will help us down the road.
On the spec sheet it reads as follows: 224 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 226 lb. –ft of torque at a low, low 2,800 rpm. We’ve come to the conclusion that Subaru is artificially keeping the WRX low on power to make the Legacy GT look better. And we can’t argue with this logic, since more power (if that’s what you’re going for) is just a reflash away.
For drivers new to all-wheel drive turbo-charged hot hatches, there is no better driver aid than a handling nanny. And, thankfully, Subaru has delivered on this option, making its Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system finally available on its small-car. Originally VDC was only available on high-end Legacy and Forester models. This should earn the new Impreza high marks with the safety-conscious.
The STI model, which is expected to be much more aggressive-looking, is scheduled to make its first public appearance later this year and go on sale in early 2008. Subaru has remained tight-lipped regarding details thus far.
![]() http://www.drivingsportsvideo.com/subiesport/08sedan_cornering.jpg
Edited on 4/3/2007 at 11:56:30 AM
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